Campion, St George’s in title-deciding Game 3

ALL will be on the line today at Campion College as the kings of senior schoolboy basketball in the Corporate Area will be crowned. The home team, the defending champions, will go up against St George's College in the finals of the ISSA urban boys' under 19 competition, starting at 3 pm.

An intriguing battle is expected in what will be the final game in the best-of-three series, with the score locked 1-1 after both teams secured wins on their opponent's court. In the first game of the series, the Clifford Brown-coached team from North Street got by their opponents 64-62. However, the Ryan Martell-coached Campion team spoiled the home team's party, winning 72-65 to force a decisive Game 3.

After a near-flawless season, with their only defeat coming in that overtime loss at home, Campion will be hoping to atone for that setback and celebrate victory on their home court.

Their charge will be led by Zachary Lawrence-Smith, who has been outstanding all season, along with Ryeem Martell, son of the coach.

Coach Martell was happy with his team's away win to even the series and is looking forward to going all the way today.

"We were happy for the win which levelled the series. As we head home for Game 3, we are in high gear after preparing for the task ahead. It is our intention to finish the season on a high by securing the victory at home," said Martell after his team's sensational win.

After beating the defending champions on their home court to take a 1-0 lead, Coach Brown knows it was an opportunity lost to wrap up the series at home. He also knows that this time around it will be more difficult to get past a Campion team that was outstanding in their last outing.

"Only a win will do. It is do-or-die time for us. There will be no tomorrow. It's a hell of a task but we are prepared for it," said Brown, who is hoping the likes of Imani Salmon and Jonathan Forbes will deliver big performances in helping to bring the title back to North Street, which they last won in 2022.